yeah dude, I just got one that was blown here locally and I light mine up with a torch lighter.

Has the tip turned color on you? I think I melted some ash into the glass.

Also, do you have any idea as to how long a typical glass wand should last?

But I wholeheartedly agree that it's a fantastic smoking method. I can really taste the difference with a fresh bowl. I have a hard time getting mine hot enough so I have what I called the Stoner-three-handed-glass-wand-bong-rip fu where I basically wedge the bong between my leg and my chin while I heat up the wand, put down the lighter, grab the bong and shove it into my ash catcher's bowl.

What color are you letting yours turn when it's hot? Orange/Yellow/Super yellow and what color is it when you stick it in your bowl?